As 2018 comes to an end, we reflect on the successes of FLEX this year. We’ve had great events, launched a speaker series, welcomed new members and officers, and gained skills and experience together.
This year, we celebrated Young Professional of the Year Charlie Cotherman, and recognized a group of amazing nominees, who represent only a fraction of the successful young professionals (YPs) in our region.
We began the FLEX Speaker Series and had presentations about health, self development, boardsmanship, and community involvement.
Many events and socials were held, including another successful Bike ‘n Brew, bringing hundreds of people to Oil City for activities, food, and entertainment.
We grew substantially in numbers, in which we welcomed almost 50 new FLEX members.
Most of our officers are stepping down, but it allows new YPs the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a leader. Our outgoing officers shared what they gained from their experience:
Zachary Covington: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Vice President/Secretary of FLEX this year! Our community is full of so many vibrant, capable young professionals, and it has been a pleasure meeting so many of them!”
Casey McVay: “My involvement with FLEX has propelled me into a Board of Directors experience where I’m contributing at a high-level and filling leadership roles. It’s endless the ways FLEX has impacted my life and career. I’ve met some of the best people in my life through FLEX, and now my experience is full circle as I work with another YP to teach skills to be a leader within the group. It’s an honor to pass the torch and watch others grow and succeed.”
Jessica Ewing-Falco: “Contributing to an organization that is helping YPs in our area is a wonderful experience. I am thankful for such a strong team of leaders to serve with and the opportunity to make a difference.”
Alan McBride: “I enjoyed getting to know other YPs and understand why they want to network and make a difference. We have strong leadership from a variety of YPs and to connect on both a professional and personal level has made a profound impact on me. As an officer, I gained confidence and authenticity with my leadership style, and enjoyed being supportive of other YPs in their own developmental paths.”
Marissa Dechant: “Acting in a FLEX leadership position made me more organized and communicative and a better leader. I gained skills in event coordination and planning, all while working alongside friends. My role as marketing/community partnerships chair ultimately helped me gain employment in a new city, something for which I’ll always be grateful.”
Thanks officers for your commitment, and welcome new leadership! Next year will be full of even more opportunities for networking, leadership, and skill building.
The FLEX website will be redesigned, events will be added, and new young professionals will be welcomed. FLEX has taken feedback from our Annual Survey and will continue to work to make this organization the best it can be for the future leaders of Venango County. Thank you to those who made this another great year!
This articles was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2018 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.